Gabriel Attal becomes youngest-ever, first openly gay French prime minister

French President Emmanuel Macron has named Gabriel Attal (34) as the new Prime Minister of the country. Attal will be the youngest French prime minister ever and the first openly gay person to hold the office.Attal will succeed former PM Elisabeth Borne who resigned yesterday.

"The president of the republic appointed Mr Gabriel Attal prime minister, and tasked him with forming a government," a statement from Macron's office read.

In the French system of governance, the president formulates policies while the work of minding day-to-day function of the government falls on the shoulders of the PM, and he/ she is often the first one to face the flak in case of governance issues.

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Former PM Elisabeth Borne (62)stepped down from her post on Monday after serving less than two years. Attal's selection as the new PM may be the start of a larger cabinet reshuffle which Macron is planning to carry out as he prepares for last three years of his presidency.

There were several candidates in race for the post of PM, but Attal was widely considered to be the favourite.

Wishes for Attal started tricklingin soon after his appointment.

"I am sure that you will be able to faithfully carry out our project and embody the values that are ours," said Sylvain Maillard, the leader of Macron's Renaissance party in parliament.

Toutes mes félicitations @GabrielAttal.

Je suis sûr que tu sauras porter fidèlement notre projet et incarner les valeurs qui sont les nôtres.

Les @deputesRE seront des alliés loyaux et exigeants pour répondre aux défis de notre pays et continuer à réformer, pour les Français. pic.twitter.com/AQZ5ZYAu8p — Sylvain Maillard (@SylvainMaillard) January 9, 2024

Attal became a popular figure in the French government after he assumed politically crucial education ministry.

Analysts have in the past, been quoted in various media reports as saying that Macron needed to reshuffle his cabinet in order to prevent a 'lame duck' perception of his last three years in office.

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Presidential elections in France are due in the year 2027. While Macron can't contest again, he would be looked at by his party for it to remain popular so that political prospects of right-wing Marine Le Pen are diminished.

The much closer political test for Macron and his Renaissance party is the European Parliament election slated to happen in June. The performance of his party may shift political perceptions among the public.

Attal will be the fourth prime minister under Macron since 2017. The French president is often criticised for what analysts say is micro-managing and centralisation of power in his hands.

(With inputs from agencies)